Who Was the Real Chester Arthur?
When US President James Garfield was shot in July 1881, few expected his Vice President, Chester A. Arthur, to handle the ensuing crisis effectively. Arthur, known as a New York Republican bureaucrat involved in patronage and machine politics, lacked public confidence.
After Garfield’s death later that year, Arthur unexpectedly became the 21st President of the United States, thrust into the national spotlight amid widespread distrust.
Arthur’s Political Background and Reputation
Initially seen as a party insider connected to political corruption, Arthur's rise to the presidency surprised many. His association with machine politics made his leadership seem doubtful to the public.
Portrayal in Netflix’s Death by Lightning (2025)
The story of Arthur’s presidency is featured in Netflix’s 2025 drama Death by Lightning, which depicts the assassination of Garfield by Charles Guiteau. Garfield is played by Michael Shannon, Guiteau by Matthew Macfadyen, and Arthur by Nick Offerman.
“Chester Arthur is portrayed as something of a low man pushed into high office, a Republican enforcer famed for his carousing.”
This portrayal highlights Arthur as a reluctant leader unexpectedly elevated to power, rather than a conventional president.
Arthur and Garfield’s Relationship
The assassination of Garfield brought Arthur’s political role into sharp focus, though their relationship prior to this event was not notably close. Arthur was largely seen as a bureaucratic figure until he assumed the presidency.